Homecourt advantage to Meralco – Manila XI

Meralco-Manila seeks a second straight win and the early lead when it makes its home debut against Ilocos United today in the Philippines Football League at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The Sparks are hoping to continue the form that made them earn the distinction as the first club to win a match in the league’s inaugural season as they battle the Ilocano side at 4 p.m.

Coach Aris Caslib’s side is not taking Ilocos lightly, even if Meralco started its campaign with a 5-1 thumping of Stallion-Laguna exactly a week ago at the Biñan Football Stadium in Laguna.

Curt Dizon became the first goalscorer of the fledgling pro league which came nine minutes after the opening whistle, before Tahj Minniecon, Milan Nikolic, and brothers James and Phil Younghusband added four more to secure the victory.

Ilocos, on the other hand, salvaged a 1-all tie against Davao at the President Quirino Stadium in Bantay, Ilocos Sur when John Kanayama scored a late penalty last Sunday.

“We cannot expect an easy game. We will give it our best and I am sure both teams will play with a lot of heart,” said Caslib.

Meralco will face some of its former players now suiting up for Ilocos.

Kanayama, goalkeeper Baba Sampana, Graham Caygill and Anton del Rosario once played for the club when it was known as the Loyola Meralco Sparks.